Countless Georgia citizens choose to motorcycles for their main method of transportation for a variety of reasons. They have better fuel economy than cars or trucks, are compact, and perhaps most importantly, are simply a thrill to ride. Countless more people have motorcycles as a secondary vehicle that they use recreationally.
Unfortunately, motorcycles can get into accidents just like cars, trucks, and SUVs can. When motorcycle accidents happen, you need competent, professional legal representation with the drive to fight for their clients. Our lawyers can provide just that. We can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and fight hard for you in court so that you can get the financial compensation you deserve after a motorcycle accident.
For a free review of your case, call Howe Law’s Atlanta, GA motorcycle accident lawyers at (844) 876-4357.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Douglasville, GA
Motorcycle accidents can happen for a lot of different reasons. Many people may have the incorrect assumption that many motorcycle accidents are likely to be the fault of the motorcycle rider because only risk-takers ride motorcycles. This is hardly the actual truth. Many motorcycle accidents – even those that may appear to be caused by the rider – may be due to another party’s negligence instead.
Other Drivers
Perhaps the most common cause of motorcycle accidents in Georgia is the behavior of other drivers. When another driver is negligent – or careless – they run the risk of getting in an accident with a motorcycle or any other vehicle, for that matter.
There are a wide variety of ways that drivers can be negligent. First, ignoring traffic rules and laws is considered negligent driving. This would include doing things like speeding, running red lights, ignoring stop signs, or driving too close to another vehicle.
Second, there is a lot of conduct that is not necessarily prohibited by law, but would still be considered negligent. For example, suppose a driver, after parking on the street, opens their car door without checking their surroundings and an unsuspecting motorcycle rider crashes into it, getting badly injured. In that case, the driver may be found negligent, even though opening a car door is not in and of itself a violation of the law. Reckless driving, like constantly switching lanes or tired driving, may also fall into this category.
Very aggressive driving may even cause a motorcycle rider to take evasive maneuvers that they otherwise would not, resulting in an accident. In this way, some accidents that may look like they were the motorcyclist’s fault may actually be caused by another driver.
Motorcycle Defects
Sometimes, motorcycle accidents are caused by a problem with the motorcycle and not by anything another driver or the motorcycle rider does. When a motorcycle does not work properly and an accident happens as a result, the motorcycle is considered “defective.” There are two main kinds of motorcycle defects in the legal world: design defects and manufacturing defects.
Design defects are problems that will arise in an “ordinary” version of a product with no deviations from the intended design. In these cases, the problem is with the design itself. Even if the product/motorcycle is made correctly, it will still cause an injury if used in the way a motorcycle is supposed to be used. An example of a motorcycle design defect would be a gas tank that is prone to having its contents ignite when impacted by another vehicle or object.
Manufacturing defects, on the other hand, are mistakes made in the construction or later maintenance of the motorcycle. Examples of manufacturing defects in a motorcycle would include a faulty handbrake or tires that do not produce enough traction.
Poor Road Conditions
Conditions on the road itself can also be responsible for motorcycle accidents. If a motorcycle rider hits a pothole, a broken guardrail, or debris strewn about the road, accidents and injuries can result.
The responsibility for the upkeep of Georgia’s roads usually falls to a government entity. There are specific requirements for suing government entities, so you should confer with our motorcycle accident lawyers if you believe this applies to you.
Damages in Lawsuits for Motorcycle Accidents in Douglasville, GA
If your motorcycle accident lawsuit is a success, the court will award you monetary damages. These damages are the court’s way of paying back victims who prove that the defendant is liable for the injuries they faced. Your damages are based on the specific facts and circumstances of your motorcycle accident. Below are some of the things you can get damages for after a motorcycle crash.
Medical Bills
The cost of medical treatment for injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident can balloon into enormous amounts. Surgery, long-term treatment, medication costs, and other medical expenses can easily reach the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Accordingly, you can get the defendant to cover those costs in damages.
Lost Wages
You might also be compensated for lost income. If you had to take time off work to recover from your injuries, you can be awarded damages based on what you would have earned if you had never gotten injured. Similarly, if you cannot work anymore because of the extent of your injuries, you can be awarded damages based on what you would have earned for the rest of your career.
Pain and Suffering
You can also get paid for things that are not as tangible as medical costs or lost pay from work. Your physical pain, mental anguish, and other more esoteric effects of a motorcycle collision can also be part of what you ask for in damages. Although there is no specific value for these things that is set in stone, our lawyers can argue their worth in court.
Speak to Our Douglasville, GA Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Now
Howe Law can be reached at (844) 876-4357 so you can schedule a free case review with our motorcycle accident attorneys.
